Starting a Business in Ireland
If you don’t know where to start, here’s what to figure out before incorporating your business in Ireland :
Company Name
The company name will define your company main identity, so you have to be really careful choosing it.
This name has to respect restrictions to be accepted by the CRO, it has to be:
- Available
- Unique
- Distinguishable
- Not offensive
- Not suggesting any state sponsorship
Some name types require permission from the CRO like name containing the words “bank” “insurance” “society” “university”, “charity” “holding” “standard” or credit union”.
Contact us to have some other information. You can also benefit from a Free Company Name Check, please never hesitate to contact us at 01 679 79 20
Company Type: Private Limited Company
The Private Limited Company by shares is the most common type to start a company in Ireland, the Private Limited Company limits the amount of the members’ liability to the shares they hold if the company wounds up.
There are two types of private limited company:
Multi member : needs a minimum of two shareholders (maximum 99)
Single member : needs just one shareholder.
There are 3 other types of limited company available in Ireland: See all Company Types available in Ireland.
The Company’s Main Activity
You must specify the company’s main activity and a NACE code for the incorporation.
If you start your business with us you’ll just have to tell us what is the main activity of the company and we’ll take care of completing all the documents required by the CRO (See the Company Formation section for more information).
Company Directors: The Main Company’s Managers
The directors are appointed by the shareholders to run the company, there are at least two directors.
At least one directors has to be an Irish resident to run an Irish company.
In general anyone can be a director, no qualification is required however there are some restrictions contact us for more information.
Company Secretary: Administrative Issue
A company secretary is required to follow up all the statutory obligations and legal requirements on behalf of the company. It must advise the directors about any administrative issues. It can be one of the directors or an external entity.
The Company Shop can act as your company secretary, see our Company Secretarial Services.
Company Shareholders: Owner of the Company
The shareholders are the owner of the company, they can also be the directors or the secretary.
To incorporate your company we will need the details below :
- Full name
- Usual Residential Address
- Amount of shares that are proposed to be held in the shareholders name.
Registered Office: Business Location
The registered office is the physical address of the company to which all formal legal correspondence will be sent.
Company Formation: Documents to send to the CRO
To complete the incorporation of your company, you will need to send the following documents as well as the registration fee to the Companies Registration Office.
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Form A1 ( see the Company Formation section to download it)
The Company Shop can can help you complete these documents, please do not hesitate to contact us for any information about these document.
